Blood (fluid connective tissue)

Eosinophils

(1 to 3% WBC's) Eosinophils function to help combat allergic reactions and inflammatory reactions.

Monocytes

(3 to 7% WBC's) become macrophages in acute inflammation. In other words, these cells are called "monocytes" when they are circulating w/in the blood BUT are called "macrophages" when they exit the blood vessels and enter the tissue(s); Monocytes (ie. Macrophages) can fuse together during mitotic multiplication and form large multi-nucleated osteoclasts, cells that destroy bone

blood

Blood is another type of special connective tissue. Composed of a fluid part, called plasma, and a cellular parts or formed elements. The cellular parts are divided into erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and (thrombocytes) or platelets.

Granulocytes

have granules in cytoplasm Neutrophils Eosinophils Basophils

Leukocytes

white blood cells; has 5,000 to 9,000 (or < 10,000) WBC's per mm³. two groups: granulocytes and agranulocytes

Basophils

(0 to .7% WBC's) Basophils, along with mast cells, contain histamine, released in reaction to an allergenic substance entering the body. Histamine causes fluid to leak from blood vessels, causing local tissues to swell. Antihistamines are used to decrease swelling

Lymphocytes

(20 to 30% of all WBC's) T-Lymphocytes B-Lymphocytes Natural Killer Cells Found in circulating blood and lymphoid tissues, meaning the: lymph nodes, spleen, and tonsils

Neutrophils

(55 to 65% of all WBC's) Function as phagocytes, killing and devouring microorganisms (pathogens) after they enter the body. When microorganisms enter the body they trigger an inflammatory reaction. Four signs of inflammation are redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Lifespan is about 2 days. Remember: phagocytes and inflammatory reaction

Erythrocytes

Have no nucleus in their mature state. Lifespan of four months. Biconcave discs, thin in middle, thick at edges. Contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries O2 from lungs to cells and carries CO2 from cells to lungs for elimination. 4.5 to 5.4 (or 5 million) RBC's per mm³ (every cubic millimeter)

B lymphocytes (B cells)

Lymphocyte that matures in the bone marrow and secretes antibodies and move to lymphoid organs (spleen; lymph nodes) where they multiply When stimulated by foreign substances, they duplicate and enlarge to form plasma cells, which secrete antibodies

T lymphocytes (T cells)

Lymphocyte that matures in the thymus and acts directly against antigens in cell-mediated immune responses; also originate from bone marrow but migrate to thymus gland and multiply Function to: combat virus-infected cells, tumors, grafted tissues and organs

Platelets

are a particle of a larger cell called a megakaryocyte, found in bone marrow. Platelets have an important role in clotting blood. They release serotonin, causing blood vessels to contract. Other platelets stack up in leakage area and form a blood clot

agranulocytes

without granules in their cytoplasm; lymphocytes, monocytes.